Arthritis is one of a gazillion factors that officiate your entry into adulthood. Swollen, stiff joints, excruciating pain that restricts movements, and itchy red patches around the articulations are more than enough to ruin the quality of life. Arthritis has become so common these days that the 2021 demographics of arthritic show that more than 350 million people are affected globally. The word Arthritis is a combination of two Greek words ‘arthro’ meaning ‘joint’ and ‘itis’ implying ‘inflammation’. The disease is not new for Homo sapiens, because the first recorded arthritis case dates back to 4500 BC. Despite this millennia-long prevalence and the advancement in science and technology, arthritis remains incurable. It was confined to the age group above 40 once, and now even young adults have started complaining about it.
Arthritis is classified into various types based on its origin, location, and features. Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gouty arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, septic arthritis, etc are a few examples, and osteoarthritis is the commonest among these. However, arthritis is sometimes seen as a symptom of other diseases like hepatitis and Lyme disease. Joint deformity can occur in chronic cases. Inflammatory changes in multiple joints can also affect the whole body leading to malaise, weight loss, and disturbed sleep. As bones, cartilage, and synovial membranes are affected, reverting to the original structure and function of the joint is almost impractical. The treatment mainly focuses on relieving symptoms. Surgical options like joint replacement surgery are also available.
Maha Narayana thailam is a classical formulation from Sahasrayoga that can help with arthritic pain and associated symptoms. With the wholesomeness of Vilwa, Aswagandha, Gokshura, Agnimantha, Prasarini, and a lot more, Sitaram Ayurveda Mahanarayana Thailam is an excellent solution for joint pain, swelling, soreness, and redness, that bestows strength, nourishment, and flexibility to the joints and smoothness to the movements. Its fully-fledged vata-alleviating action resolves even chronic arthritic conditions quickly and gives back the joint its youth.
Ayurveda considers arthritis to be a vata dosha-related menace, which may also be associated with other doshas and ama (accumulated toxins). Vata manages the proper functioning of the locomotor system, and any vitiation to it can alter the same. A thaila (oil) is said to be a panacea for vata. The oil chosen by considering one’s body condition and the disease can work wonders in mitigating inflammation and allied issues. Oil application has been proven to be highly effective in joint disorders, and arthritis is no different. Imagine oiling a rusty, stiff nut or bolt- it smoothens the movements and prevents further degrading.
A properly done oil massage in the affected joint not only relieves pain but also strengthens and lubricates the site- no wonder oils are called ‘sneha’ in Ayurveda- they tend to your joint-related condition with a characteristic affection. It also enhances the blood flow to the site and reduces soreness and inflammation. Oils processed with appropriate herbs will alleviate dosha vitiation, balances the doshas, and relieves symptoms. It also lubricates the joints and makes them more flexible and less fragile.